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I am a physiologist focused on the role of dietary protein on excess weight gain. In the proposed study, I will examine energy balance in lean and overweight individuals in response to a 4-day covertly manipulated 10, 15 or 25% protein diet. We will measure effects on hunger using subjective ratings and hormone levels and the affects on energy expenditure including resting metabolic rate, the energy it takes to digest food and physical activity levels.
Does Mitochondrial Metabolism In Neurons Act To Link Peripheral Metabolic State To Motivated Food-seeking Behaviour?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$335,697.00
Summary
Obesity, and its associated pathologies, is a major disease concern. The brain systems that regulate food intake and body weight break down under the strain of obesity and this creates a vicious cycle where failure to regulate metabolism promotes further weight gain. I am investigating how the mitochondrial enzyme CPT1c regulates these brain systems, and whether obesity impairs CPT1c function. Understanding CPT1c function in the brain will help us understand the causes of obesity and diabetes.
Central Ghrelin Regulates Peripheral Glucose Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$339,938.00
Summary
Recent evidence shows ghrelin is a key anti-starvation hormone that increases glucose production in order to maintain appropriate blood glucose concentrations. How ghrelin acts in the brain to control blood glucose concentrations remains unknown and will be the focus of this project. This project is relevant to disorders such as anorexia nervosa and will help us understand blood glucose regulation during conditions of food scarcity.
Determining The Mechanism Of Obesity Induced Elevated Blood Pressure And Glucose Dysregulation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
My research focuses on determine the link and mechanisms behind the development of metabolic diseases in obesity and specifically determining the reason for the development of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. In this area I have been able to generate strong physiological techniques which have enabled answering these questions possible, and I endeavor to continue to create and establish new techniques to continue to answer physiological questions.
Thyroid-sympathoadrenal Regulation Of Human Brown Fat
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$447,141.00
Summary
This project aims to determine how hormones influence the growth and activity of brown fat in humans. Majority of fat cells in the body are white fat cells, which store fat, and cause obesity when in excess. Brown fat cells function like generators. They burn fat and release energy as heat. Humans with lots of brown fat are lean. What controls brown fat activity is currently unknown in humans. This project investigates how hormones influence brown fat activity and may shed light on the therapeut ....This project aims to determine how hormones influence the growth and activity of brown fat in humans. Majority of fat cells in the body are white fat cells, which store fat, and cause obesity when in excess. Brown fat cells function like generators. They burn fat and release energy as heat. Humans with lots of brown fat are lean. What controls brown fat activity is currently unknown in humans. This project investigates how hormones influence brown fat activity and may shed light on the therapeutic potential of brown fat in obesity treatment.Read moreRead less
Defining Phenotypic Variation In The Gut-to-brain Signalling Responses To Hexose Sugars.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$321,564.00
Summary
There is a strong link between the incidence of obesity and consumption of sweetened beverages. The proposed studies will characterise (i) the pathway(s) by which sugars signal from the gut to the brain to regulate food intake, (ii) the role of gut peptides in this signalling, and (iii) the variations between individuals in these responses. This information will provide important insights as to why some individuals are more likely to gain weight in response to exposure to diets high in sugar.